Effectiveness of foot and hand massage in postcesarean pain control in a group of Turkish pregnant women

Effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

To explore the effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety, pain, duration of labor, labor satisfaction, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate in pregnant women. We systematically searched eight databases for randomized controlled studies on the effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women. The inclusion criteria were as follow: participants were pregnant woman; the intervention is foot reflexology or foot massage; the control intervention is placebo, usual care, or no intervention; outcome indicators included pain, anxiety, birth satisfaction, duration of labor, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration; and study type was randomized controlled study. Studies that did not meet the above requirements were excluded. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, the risk of bias using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the level of evidence for the outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation. We used Review Manager 5.3 for data analysis and generated funnel plots to assess publication bias. In addition, sensitivity analysis was used to test the stability of the results. A total of 13 randomized controlled studies with 1189 participants were included in this study. Compared to the control group, foot reflexology massage reduced anxiety and pain in pregnant women, shortened the three stages of labor, and increased birth satisfaction. In addition, it also reduced the pulse rate and respiratory rate of pregnant women, but not for blood pressure. Foot reflexology massage can significantly reduce anxiety and pain, shorten the duration of labor, increase birth satisfaction, and stabilize vital signs in pregnant women. It is a safe and non-invasive form of complementary therapy.PROSPERO registered number: CRD42022359641. URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=359641 .

The effectiveness and safety of complementary health approaches to managing postpartum pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Women experience pain from a number of causes during the postpartum period. Although pharmacological pain relief has shown to be effective, the efficacy of non-pharmacological methods of pain relief will be of interest to breastfeeding women. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy and safety of complementary approaches to manage postpartum pain.

Methods

A search of English language databases from their inception to 2020 was undertaken for randomised controlled trials and included primiparous and multiparous women who experienced postpartum pain up to two weeks post birth. The primary outcome was pain. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Thirty trials were included in the review, 25 trials (2,413 women) were included in the meta-analysis. Two trials of massage found a reduction in pain following caesarean birth within the first 24 h post birth (MD -2.64, 95–2.82 to -2.46, 184 women, I² 0%), and at seven days postpartum (MD -1.91, 95%CI -2.42 to -1.40, 2 trials, 120 women I² 37%). Two trials conducted with women receiving an episiotomy found reduction in perineal pain from herbal ointments within 24 h (MD -1.33, 95% CI -.96 to -0.70, 221 women) and at 14 days postpartum (MD -0.74, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.47, 4 trials). Few trials reported on safety, few trials were at an overall low risk of bias, and overall the quality of evidence was very low.

Conclusion

Further high quality trials are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of herbal ointment and massage during the early postpartum period.

Massage During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Massage is systematic touch and manipulation of the soft tissues of the body that is increasingly being used as an adjunctive therapy for stress relief and to promote relaxation and wellbeing during pregnancy and as an alternative to pharmacologic or invasive forms of analgesia during labor. Literature to support the use of massage in pregnancy and labor is limited; however, evidence to support its use has been increasing over the past 30 years. Massage has been shown to be valuable to pregnant women with anxiety, depression, leg, and back pain, and has shown significant benefit in perception of pain during labor.

Effect of Foot Massages on Postpartum Comfort and Pain Level of Mothers After Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Trial

This study conducted on 66 mothers aimed to investigate the effect of foot massages postpartum using an introductory information form, the Postpartum Comfort Scale, the visual analog scale, and a drug follow-up card. It was concluded that foot massages positively improved comfort, reduced pain levels, and reduced unnecessary medications.

Effect of Hand Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Vital Signs in Patients Before Venipuncture Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Massage is one of the relaxation techniques commonly used in recent years to control pain, stress, and anxiety.

AIMS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of hand massage application on pain, anxiety, and vital signs before venipuncture procedure.

METHODS

The sample of the study consisted of 97 individuals (48 experimental and 49 controls) who were admitted to a training and research hospital in Turkey between December 2018 and May 2019. Individuals assigned to the experimental group received hand massage. The data were obtained with an individual information form, a visual analog scale (VAS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 49.52 ± 12.48 years. There was no significant difference between the pain levels of the experimental and control groups (p > .05), but the anxiety level of the experimental group was significantly less than that of the control group (p < .05). There was also a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. The blood pressure and heart rate of the experimental group decreased significantly (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Hand massage was found to be a simple, non-pharmacologic, inexpensive, and independent nursing practice that could be used to reduce anxiety and positively affect vital signs in patients before venipuncture procedure.

The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation in Women Who Had Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

AIM

The research was conducted as a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of reflexology on lactation in mothers who delivered by cesarean section (CS).

METHODS

A single-blind randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with a total of 60 postpartum women in the reflexology application (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). After the CS, the mothers in the control group were given approximately 3-h routine nursing care after recovering from the effects of anesthesia; the introductory information form was applied, and the Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool (LATCH) and visual analog scale (VAS) for the signs of the onset of lactation were implemented on the first and second days. Reflexology was applied to the women in the intervention group after an average of 3 h following the mother's condition had become stable and she had recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Reflexology was applied a total of 20 min - 10 min for the right foot, 10 min for the left foot - twice a day with 8-h intervals on the first and second days after CS. After the last reflexology application, the LATCH and VAS for the signs of the onset of lactation were applied.

RESULTS

Of the women, 70% breastfed their babies within 60 min after delivery; 46.7% of the mothers received breastfeeding training and 81.7% needed support for breastfeeding after the CS. The LATCH breastfeeding scores of the women in the intervention group on both days were significantly higher compared to those of the women in the control group (p < 0.001). On the first day after the CS, apart from breast pain, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of breast heat and breast tension (p > 0.05). On the second day after the CS, apart from breast tension, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of breast heat and breast pain (p < 0.05). In the study, women in the intervention group were found to have higher scores in terms of all three symptoms compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the study, it was determined that LATCH scores and signs of the onset of breastfeeding increased in the mothers who received reflexology after CS.

Complementary and alternative therapies for post-caesarean pain

BACKGROUND

Pain after caesarean sections (CS) can affect the well-being of the mother and her ability with her newborn. Conventional pain-relieving strategies are often underused because of concerns about the adverse maternal and neonatal effects. Complementary alternative therapies (CAM) may offer an alternative for post-CS pain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of CAM for post-caesarean pain.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, LILACS, PEDro, CAMbase, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (6 September 2019), and checked the reference lists of retrieved articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including quasi-RCTs and cluster-RCTs, comparing CAM, alone or associated with other forms of pain relief, versus other treatments or placebo or no treatment, for the treatment of post-CS pain.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed study selection, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 37 studies (3076 women) which investigated eight different CAM therapies for post-CS pain relief. There is substantial heterogeneity among the trials. We downgraded the certainty of evidence due to small numbers of women participating in the trials and to risk of bias related to lack of blinding and inadequate reporting of randomisation processes. None of the trials reported pain at six weeks after discharge. Primary outcomes were pain and adverse effects, reported per intervention below. Secondary outcomes included vital signs, rescue analgesic requirement at six weeks after discharge; all of which were poorly reported, not reported, or we are uncertain as to the effect Acupuncture or acupressure We are very uncertain if acupuncture or acupressure (versus no treatment) or acupuncture or acupressure plus analgesia (versus placebo plus analgesia) has any effect on pain because the quality of evidence is very low. Acupuncture or acupressure plus analgesia (versus analgesia) may reduce pain at 12 hours (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.64 to 0.07; 130 women; 2 studies; low-certainty evidence) and 24 hours (SMD -0.63, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.26; 2 studies; 130 women; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether acupuncture or acupressure (versus no treatment) or acupuncture or acupressure plus analgesia (versus analgesia) has any effect on the risk of adverse effects because the quality of evidence is very low. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy plus analgesia may reduce pain when compared with placebo plus analgesia at 12 hours (mean difference (MD) -2.63 visual analogue scale (VAS), 95% CI -3.48 to -1.77; 3 studies; 360 women; low-certainty evidence) and 24 hours (MD -3.38 VAS, 95% CI -3.85 to -2.91; 1 study; 200 women; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain if aromatherapy plus analgesia has any effect on adverse effects (anxiety) compared with placebo plus analgesia. Electromagnetic therapy Electromagnetic therapy may reduce pain compared with placebo plus analgesia at 12 hours (MD -8.00, 95% CI -11.65 to -4.35; 1 study; 72 women; low-certainty evidence) and 24 hours (MD -13.00 VAS, 95% CI -17.13 to -8.87; 1 study; 72 women; low-certainty evidence). Massage We identified six studies (651 women), five of which were quasi-RCTs, comparing massage (foot and hand) plus analgesia versus analgesia. All the evidence relating to pain, adverse effects (anxiety), vital signs and rescue analgesic requirement was very low-certainty. Music Music plus analgesia may reduce pain when compared with placebo plus analgesia at one hour (SMD -0.84, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.46; participants = 115; studies = 2; I2 = 0%; low-certainty evidence), 24 hours (MD -1.79, 95% CI -2.67 to -0.91; 1 study; 38 women; low-certainty evidence), and also when compared with analgesia at one hour (MD -2.11, 95% CI -3.11 to -1.10; 1 study; 38 women; low-certainty evidence) and at 24 hours (MD -2.69, 95% CI -3.67 to -1.70; 1 study; 38 women; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether music plus analgesia has any effect on adverse effects (anxiety), when compared with placebo plus analgesia because the quality of evidence is very low. Reiki We are uncertain if Reiki plus analgesia compared with analgesia alone has any effect on pain, adverse effects, vital signs or rescue analgesic requirement because the quality of evidence is very low (one study, 90 women). Relaxation Relaxation may reduce pain compared with standard care at 24 hours (MD -0.53 VAS, 95% CI -1.05 to -0.01; 1 study; 60 women; low-certainty evidence). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS (versus no treatment) may reduce pain at one hour (MD -2.26, 95% CI -3.35 to -1.17; 1 study; 40 women; low-certainty evidence). TENS plus analgesia (versus placebo plus analgesia) may reduce pain compared with placebo plus analgesia at one hour (SMD -1.10 VAS, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.82; 3 studies; 238 women; low-certainty evidence) and at 24 hours (MD -0.70 VAS, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.53; 108 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence). TENS plus analgesia (versus placebo plus analgesia) may reduce heart rate (MD -7.00 bpm, 95% CI -7.63 to -6.37; 108 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence) and respiratory rate (MD -1.10 brpm, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.94; 108 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain if TENS plus analgesia (versus analgesia) has any effect on pain at six hours or 24 hours, or vital signs because the quality of evidence is very low (two studies, 92 women).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Some CAM therapies may help reduce post-CS pain for up to 24 hours. The evidence on adverse events is too uncertain to make any judgements on safety and we have no evidence about the longer-term effects on pain. Since pain control is the most relevant outcome for post-CS women and their clinicians, it is important that future studies of CAM for post-CS pain measure pain as a primary outcome, preferably as the proportion of participants with at least moderate (30%) or substantial (50%) pain relief. Measuring pain as a dichotomous variable would improve the certainty of evidence and it is easy to understand for non-specialists. Future trials also need to be large enough to detect effects on clinical outcomes; measure other important outcomes as listed lin this review, and use validated scales.

Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study

This study was planned and performed to evaluate the effect of foot and hand massage on pain and anxiety management, which is one of the nonpharmacological pain relief methods in patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The present study was designed and conducted in the randomized controlled manner to determine the impacts of foot and hand massage on postoperative pain and anxiety scores of patients who receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The universe of the study consisted of the patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy between April 2018 and January 2019. The study was completed with 196 patients as 63 patients in the foot massage group, 65 patients in the hand massage group, and 68 patients in the control group. To collect the data, the "Descriptive Characteristics Form," "Visual Analog Scale," and "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" were used. The pain intensity of patients in the foot massage group and hand massage group were less than in the control group at 90 and 150 minutes after intervention (P<0.05). A significant reduction was determined in the need for analgesics for the patients in the foot massage group and hand massage group compared with the control group (P<0.05). A significant positive relationship was found between pain intensity and state anxiety levels in patients of the foot massage group and hand massage group. Foot and hand massage are influential in decreasing pain and anxiety levels after surgeries for patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Comparison of the effects of inhalation aromatherapy using Damask Rose aroma and the Benson relaxation technique in burn patients: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries are often accompanied by painful and distressing consequences, which can lead to long-term psychological issues. The most common form of anxiety in burn patients is pain anxiety. It is described as the feeling of fear and pain prediction caused by painful procedures.

AIM

To compare the effects of inhalation aromatherapy using damask rose aroma and the Benson relaxation technique on pain anxiety in burn patients.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 132 patients hospitalized in Motahari Burn Hospital from October 2017 to March 2018. The subjects were selected using a sequential sampling method. Next, they were randomly allocated by the Permuted block randomization method into four groups of rose aroma (5 drops of 40% rose aroma), the Benson relaxation technique, combined rose aroma-Benson relaxation and control. The interventions were performed for three consecutive days and once a day for 20 min, and each session lasted from 45 to 30 min before the daily dressing change. Data was collected using the Persian version of burn specific pain anxiety scale (BSPAS). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via the SPSS software version 16.

RESULTS

Immediately after the intervention, on the first, second and third days, significant differences in pain anxiety among four groups were reported. On the first day, the Scheffé ad hoc test indicated statistically significant differences in pain anxiety between all groups (p < 0.001), except rose aroma-plus-Benson relaxation and rose aroma groups (p = 0.15). On the second and third days, there were significant differences between the groups in pain anxiety (p < 0.001). Furthermore, after wound dressing, on the first, second and third days, statistically significant differences in pain anxiety among four groups were reported. On the first day, the Scheffé ad hoc test revealed statistically significant differences in pain anxiety between all groups (p < 0.001). On the second and third days, there were statistically significant differences in pain anxiety between the groups (p < 0.001), except the rose aroma and Benson relaxation groups. Immediately after the intervention, the maximum effect size was on the first day in the group of rose aroma-plus-Benson relaxation and the lowest effect size was on the first day in the Benson relaxation group. However, after wound dressing, the maximum effect size was on the third day in the rose aroma-pus-Benson relaxation group and the lowest effect size was on the first day in the Benson relaxation group.

CONCLUSION

The combination of the rose aroma and Benson relaxation has a synergistic effect and has more effects in the reduction of pain anxiety in burn patients than a single intervention. Health care providers can provide these interventions simultaneously and help reduce pain anxiety in burn patients before conducting painful interventions.

Effect of Classic Foot Massage on Vital Signs, Pain, and Nausea/Vomiting Symptoms After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This semiexperimental study on the effects of foot massage recruited 88 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the general surgery clinics of our hospital in Turkey (June 2017 to May 2018). Patients were assigned to either the intervention group (n=44, 10 min of classic foot massage) or the control group (n=44, no intervention). Pretest assessment, intervention, and posttest assessment were conducted within 1 to 6 hours postoperatively. Outcome measures included vital signs, pain, and nausea/vomiting symptoms. The intervention was associated with a significant decrease in pain scores and incidence of nausea. Despite being associated with an increase in body temperature, the intervention was also associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure without increasing diastolic blood pressure or respiratory rate, suggesting a positive effect on blood circulation. Classic foot massage may serve as an affordable and useful way to help improve pain, nausea, and blood circulation after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Effect of a Brief Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction With Pain Management in Postoperative Orthopaedic Patients

BACKGROUND

The majority of massage therapy studies have evaluated 20- to 45-minute interventions in nonsurgical patients. Studies are needed to evaluate the effects of a brief massage intervention that would be more clinically feasible for bedside clinicians to administer as an adjunct to pharmacologic pain management in acutely ill surgical patients.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of a brief massage intervention in conjunction with analgesic administration on pain, anxiety, and satisfaction with pain management in postoperative orthopaedic inpatients.

METHODS

A convenience sample of postoperative orthopaedic patients was studied during two therapeutic pain treatments with an oral analgesic medication. A pretest, posttest, randomized, controlled trial study design, with crossover of subjects, was used to evaluate the effect of a 5-minute hand and arm massage at the time of analgesic administration. Each patient received both treatments (analgesic administration alone [control]; analgesic administration with massage) during two sequential episodes of postoperative pain. Prior to administration of the analgesic medication, participants rated their level of pain and anxiety with valid and reliable tools. Immediately after analgesic administration, a study investigator provided the first, randomly assigned treatment. Pain and anxiety were rated by the participant 5 and 45 minutes after medication administration. Satisfaction with pain management was also rated at the 45-minute time point. Study procedures were repeated for the participant's next requirement for analgesic medication, with the participant receiving the other randomly assigned treatment. Analysis of variance was used to determine whether pain, anxiety, and/or satisfaction with pain management differed between the two treatment groups and/or if treatment order was a significant factor. The level of significance for all tests was set at p < .05.

RESULTS

Twenty-five postoperative patients were studied during two sequential episodes of pain, which required analgesic medication administration (N = 25 analgesic alone; N = 25 analgesic with massage). Patient ages ranged from 32 to 86 years (average ±SD = 61.2 ± 11.5 years). Pain and anxiety scores after medication administration decreased in both groups, with no significant differences found between the analgesic alone or analgesic with massage treatments (p > .05). Patient satisfaction with pain management was higher for pain treatment with massage than medication only (F = 6.8, df = 46, p = .012).

CONCLUSION

The addition of a 5-minute massage treatment at the time of analgesic administration significantly increased patient satisfaction with pain management.

The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part III, Surgical Pain Populations

OBJECTIVE

Pain is multi-dimensional and may be better addressed through a holistic, biopsychosocial approach. Massage therapy is commonly practiced among patients seeking pain management; however, its efficacy is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to rigorously assess the quality of the evidence for massage therapy's efficacy in treating pain, function-related, and health-related quality of life outcomes in surgical pain populations.

METHODS

Key databases were searched from inception through February 2014. Eligible randomized controlled trials were assessed for methodological quality using SIGN 50 Checklist. Meta-analysis was applied at the outcome level. A professionally diverse steering committee interpreted the results to develop recommendations.

RESULTS

Twelve high quality and four low quality studies were included in the review. Results indicate massage therapy is effective for treating pain [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.79] and anxiety (SMD = -0.57) compared to active comparators.

CONCLUSION

Based on the available evidence, weak recommendations are suggested for massage therapy, compared to active comparators for reducing pain intensity/severity and anxiety in patients undergoing surgical procedures. This review also discusses massage therapy safety, challenges within this research field, how to address identified research gaps, and next steps for future research.

Research on the Effect of the Foot Bath and Foot Massage on Residual Schizophrenia Patients

Researchers performed foot baths and massages for residual schizophrenia patients to gauge the effects on psychiatric symptoms. Subjects were six residual schizophrenia patients hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital. Three times a week for 4weeks, they received an 8-minute effleurage massage to their legs after a 10-minute foot bath. The effect of physiological relaxation was identified by a significant decline in heart rate in all cases. The results of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale are as follows: a mean score of 29.0 was measured before treatment, which lowered to 21.5 after treatment, indicating that foot care improved their negative symptoms (p<0.05).The results of the Quality of Life Scale before the foot care intervention, were 10.5 and increased to 34.0 after the intervention, indicating improvement in their quality of life (p<0.05). The results of the two measurements indicate that foot baths and massages were effective in improving psychiatric symptoms.

Massage as adjuvant therapy in the management of post-cesarean pain and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of massage on post-cesarean pain and anxiety.

METHODS

The present single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 156 primiparous women undergone elective cesarean section. The participants were randomly divided into three groups, including a hand and foot massage group, a foot massage group and a control group (n = 52 per group). The patients' intensity of pain, vital signs and anxiety level were measured before, immediately after and 90 min after the massage.

RESULTS

A significant reduction was observed in the intensity of pain immediately and 90 min after massage (P < 0.001). Moreover, changes in some of the physiological parameters, including blood pressure and respiration rate, were significant after massage (P < 0.001); however, this change was not significant for pulse rate. A significant reduction was also observed in the level of anxiety (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in the frequency of breastfeeding (P < 0.001) after massage.

CONCLUSION

As an effective nursing intervention presenting no side-effects, hand and foot massage can be helpful in the management of postoperative pain and stress.

Analgesic effects of Chinese Tuina massage in a rat model of pain

Previous clinical trials have suggested that the Chinese Tuina massage may exert transient analgesic effects. However, further investigation regarding the underlying mechanism has been hindered by the lack of a suitable animal model of pain. The present study established a rat model of hind leg pain by injecting 5.8% hypertonic saline solution (HSS) into the left gastrocnemius muscle. The effects of various Tuina massages on the pain thresholds of the rats were then measured. In addition, the effects of ipsilateral and contralateral Tuina massages on C-fiber-evoked field potentials following electrical stimulation of the left sciatic nerve were determined. Alterations in the gastrocnemius muscle tissues following various Tuina applications were investigated using hematoxylin and eosin, and desmin staining, as well as malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase assays. Heavy hand pressure transiently reduced the pain sensitivity of both posterior limbs, despite HSS only being injected into the left hind leg. Tuina massage treatments that lasted for 15 min were associated with the best results and an absence of local tissue changes. The results of electrical sciatic nerve stimulation demonstrated that ipsilateral and contralateral Tuina massage may decrease the level of peripheral nociceptive C-fiber activity. In the present study, the Chinese Tuina massage exerted analgesic effects in a rat model of pain, which did not involve tissue damage, following a 15 min massage. Therefore, the rat model of pain used in the present study may provide a novel approach for investigating the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Tuina massage.

The effects measurement of hand massage by the autonomic activity and psychological indicators

This study examined the effects of hand massage on autonomic activity, anxiety, relaxation and sense of affinity by performing it to healthy people before applying the technic in actual clinical practice. Findings were showed below: 1) the significant increase in the pNN50 and the significant decrease in the heart rate meant the intervention of massage increased the autonomic nervous activity, improved the parasympathetic nerve activity and reduced the sympathetic nerve activity. This means the subjects were considered to be in a state of relaxation. 2) Salivary α amylase has been reported as a possible indicator for sympathetic nerve activity. In this study, there was no significant difference in the salivary α amylase despite a decrease after massage. 3) State anxiety score is temporal situational reactions while being in the state of anxiety and this score decreased significantly after massage. 4) The level of willingness to communicate with other person and the sense of affinity toward the massage-performer had a positive change of 70 percent. From this, it can be considered that a comfortable physical contact between a patient and a nursing profession, who are in a supported-supportive relationship, leads to an effect of shortening the gap in their psychological distance.